Joseph Parkin Sr. who is a WWII combat veteran from the U.S. Navy and a former member of the Paterson Fire Department, is 95 years-old. Parkin is believed to be the oldest living member of the fire department and served from 1957-82. Tuesday, April, 30, 2019 Kevin R. Wexler/NorthJersey.com

Lamar Colclough became the first African American battalion chief in the history of the Paterson Fire Department on Monday. He is congratulated here beside his younger son, Tristen Colclough, 3. Tuesday, April, 30, 2019 Kevin R. Wexler/NorthJersey.com

Paterson Director of Public Safety, Jerry Speziale, addresses members of the Paterson Police and Fire Departments moments before they were promoted. Tuesday, April, 30, 2019 Kevin R. Wexler/NorthJersey.com

Hundreds gathered at Paterson Fire Department Headquarters, on McBride Ave. to see members of the Fire and Police Departments promoted together. It was the first such combined ceremony in the history of Paterson. Tuesday, April, 30, 2019. Kevin R. Wexler/NorthJersey.com

Hundreds gathered at Paterson Fire Department Headquarters, on McBride Ave. to see members of the Fire and Police Departments promoted together. It was the first such combined ceremony in the history of Paterson. Tuesday, April, 30, 2019. Kevin R. Wexler/NorthJersey.com

Members of the Paterson Police Department salute the flag during the Promotional Ceremony of the Paterson Police and Fire Departments. It is the first time in the city's history that the two departments combined forces for one big promotional ceremony. Tuesday, April, 30, 2019 Kevin R. Wexler/NorthJersey.com

PATERSON – Eighteen police officers and 14 firefighters received promotions on Tuesday as city officials moved to fill supervisory positions that are becoming vacant as a result of dozens of retirements in the public safety ranks.

The promotions are the first since Paterson combined its fire and police operations under one public safety department. As a result, the city held a joint promotion ceremony for the first time in many years.

During the event at the city’s fire headquarters on McBride Avenue, Mayor Andre Sayegh said he was wearing his Superman socks in honor of the police officers and firefighters.

“You are super heroes to the people you protect, serve and save,” Sayegh said.

The mayor also talked about the sense of unity created by the police and fire merger. “We’re not only ‘One Paterson,’” the mayor said, alluding to his campaign slogan, “we are one public safety family.”

Joseph Parkin Sr. who is a WWII combat veteran from the U.S. Navy and a former member of the Paterson Fire Department, is 95 years-old. Parkin is believed to be the oldest living member of the fire department and served from 1957-82. Tuesday, April, 30, 2019(Photo: Kevin R. Wexler/NorthJersey.com)

“It’s a new direction,” Jackson said.

Promoted to deputy fire chief were Donn Langevin and Andrew Ricciardi and to battalion fire chief were Michael Caposella, Lamar Colclough, Charles Gander Jr., James Macones and Joseph Parkin Jr. Officials said Colclough is the first African-American to make battalion chief in Paterson.

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